Jeff Cavins

Ok, here is the short version. ;)

I was going through RCIA in 1997. (my third go-round)
I was about to quit. (again)
A couple of charismatic evangelical Christians who were converting to Catholicism (another story) brought their friend Jeff to the meeting one Sunday morning. They also told me about the book Rome Sweet Home by Scott Hahn.

I talked with Jeff about my continuing concerns.
I read the book.

I converted.

Then, that summer I went to the Applied Biblical Studies and Defending Our Faith conferences at the Franciscan University of Steubenville and got to talk with Jeff more. He is such a lovely person, as is his wife Emily.

I would see Jeff on Life on the Rock on EWTN. Then, he left and was replaced as host by Fr. Francis Mary. I didn't see Jeff anywhere... though I don't get EWTN, I check in on the computer, etc.

Last night, I listened to the newest Lighthouse Catholic Media CD- 15 Things to do when Suffering by... Jeff Cavins.

Wow. Now I see where he has been. He had been undergoing incredible physical suffering and has used it to share with others. I then found his website today:

Jeff Cavin's site
Check out his site.. lots of good stuff!

He is such a wonderful witness.. humorous and human and always willing to share. I also saw that he is bringing his Great Bible Adventure to Houston in March! I hope to go. Also saw a post that he has received the imprimatur on that program, too.

God Bless you, Jeff!!

Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

I loved this Saint Quote of the Day

Saint Quote- Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta


We realize that what we are accomplishing is a drop in the ocean. But if that drop were not in the ocean, it would be missed.

~ Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Our Parish Weekend

I am exhausted as we had so much going on at my parish this weekend.

I am sponsoring a catechumen into the Church so had a retreat all Saturday morning to attend. Then Sat evening, I went up to attend the Lighthouse stand after Mass.

Then Sunday I attended the stand after each of 4 Masses, attended Mass with my Catechuman at 9am (but we left before Eucharist), went to the Rite of Election at 2:30 and also ushered people in from 12:30 - 2pm, then attended Mass for me at 5:15! I logged a bunch of hours!

One thing I came away with was how beautiful it was to have a large parish santuary because we were able to host the Rite. It was awsome seeing the bishop- what a beautiful Rite and ceremony.

And, attending the Lighthouse stand was wonderful! Especially after the 9am and 11am Masses, when Fr. N gave a TERRIFIC annoucement and endorsement for the CDs.. we were mobbed! And I interacted with so many people. I met more parishioners this weekend than I have met in 8 years of attending Mass at my parish. Can you imagine?

Next weekend I am going to stand up and make an annoucement at each Mass. Please pray for me... that I say the right thing, take the 'me' out of it and say what I am supposed to. And that I figure out what that is this week. I also am NOT standing behind the ambo.. but out front of the alter. We have a BIG Church. I have nothing to hide behind. Gulp.

Oh, I listened to Fr. Corapi's new talk on Christ's Redemption today... oh, it is great! All about everything.. the mess of the world, our identity in life... I just love him. I enjoyed housecleaning because he was talking in my ear!

Two and a Half Inches in 5 Months?!

Something was out of kilter.

It took a few days to figure it out. Wait, that is it. I am looking UP into Bryan's eyes. I thought he had been getting taller...

"Bryan! Get in here! I have to measure you!"

The boys know not to resist when I am on a tear like this. I get it in my head I have to measure them and I have to. They start ambling toward the kitchen kicking off their shoes, and back up to the wall where I mark heights on the wood molding.

Bryan did so and I marked it. Up 2 1/2 inches since September 2006. Now is is officially 2 inches taller than me and just plain taller than me. I am 5'6 1/4" and always felt rather tall. Well no more.

I am the shorty!

Funny, because his jeans have been looking short.. and now that I look they are well, about 2' 1/2" too short!

Schedules, Growing Up, Life

I think we are in (another) transition stage in our house.

Well, the last big transition was dh working at home full time. He does travel sometimes and see clients, but he is home the rest of the time. It has caused little ripples I didn't expect. Such as now eating dinner together most every night is not as important as we see each other so much all day long. First time our life has been like this in our 24 years of marriage!

Now, we are seeing changes with the boys' and my schedules. I am doing more outside.. as they need me less on a minute to minute basis. They are becomming more independent. Our ships often pass in the night.. literally as they LOVE to stay up late and I like to go to bed early as I enjoy early am workouts and getting things done in the am.

We have been talking this last week about how we can meet in the 'twain... and I explained the idea of pegs to them again. Trying to peg their life so everything gets done. My oldeset is especially wanting to get his workouts in. His biggest challenge is he needs so much sleep and it takes up too much of his time.

Younger one is frustrated b/c he needs less sleep and has to wait for older one to wake up to get started on their plans. :0

Glad I am writing this down, because I know things will soon change again. Wasn't that long ago I could not sleep unless my little ones were asleep too!

Thursday After Ash Wedneday

Yesterday, like many of you reading, we went to an Ash Wednesday prayer service at our parish.

It was beautiful. This year God is gracing me with feeling like I am part of our larger community and not just on this journey by myself. Not just part of my (large) parish, but part of our world wide Church.

I know feelings are fleeting and are not the basis of faith, but I do like this one and am savoring it. For the first time when trying to decide upon my Lenten sacrifices/additions, I did not feel all alone. Maybe in part this is because I always fail, but this time I shared some of that with my family.

My sons decided on a sacrifice they would do, and I see them forging their own way in faith.

In part it is because I have been immersed in the speakers on my CDs and that always helps center me. Last night I picked up John Newhaus' book Death on a Friday Afternoon and actually started getting into the book and it connected. I have tried to read that book in two prior Lents and failed.

I know this is just the beginning. I will pray for all of you all on your journeys. I also am keeping in mind (and on the front page of my blog) a quote that Susan at UC passed on. About seeing what God has for me this Lent, not what I decide I have for me.

After the prayer service John made a nice pot of red sauce and I cooked some pasta. We cut up fruit and ate a very simple dinner. Ah. Simple. No elaborate clean up. Just a nice quiet dinner.
Actually I think that was more of a treat than a sacrifice. Maybe that is part of the point?

Love to all. If you stumble on your Lenten journey, know I am praying for you and what God has to give you. It is all good.

Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Season of Lent. It is a season of penance, reflection, and fasting which prepares us for Christ's Resurrection on Easter Sunday, through which we attain redemption.

Following the example of the Nine vites, who did penance in sackcloth and ashes, our foreheads are marked with ashes to humble our hearts and reminds us that life passes away on Earth. We remember this when we are told

"Remember, Man is dust, and unto dust you shall return."

Ashes are a symbol of penance made sacramental by the blessing of the Church, and they help us develop a spirit of humility and sacrifice.
from Catholic online

More Happy Lighthouse News

A downtown parish that ordered from me also had their launch weekend yesterday.. and they ran out of CDs by the 3rd Mass.. (they had 6 total Masses)-- they were a hit and the pastor was thrilled.

This is just so neat.

Lighthouse Launch Weekend!

When a parish begins the Lighthouse CD ministry, the best way is with a 'launch' weekend. It gives the best visibility and allows the pastor and everyone else to really highlight to the parish what it is all about.

Yesterday we began the launch at a parish one town over. This was the first one I have been involved with and it was terrific!


The parish volunteer and I put announcments in the bulletins the past two weeks, and Father asked us to kick it off at the Sat. night Mass and at today's two morning Masses.

He asked me to say something during the annoucments- 1-2 minutes, tops. This really helps to explain the program, if you have someone who really cares about it talk, and give their story, so I understand.

So, yesterday I wrote, John edited and we got the talk under two minutes. I arrived torward the end of Mass and the annoucements came, I was nervous. Ok.. I thought- I am just nervous of what other people think of ME. That doesn't matter. I looked at the big crucifix over the alter and pretended I was speaking only to Christ.

I was out of my comfort zone.. but not alone.
Immediately my butterflies dissappeared!
He called me up, I stood behind the ambo and the read/said my talk. I sat down.
Whew!

After Mass I went to the gathering space where the display stand was and... it was a hit! People were lining up and waiting, 10 or 15 at a time to take some CDs. After the last Mass, we counted the donations and the covered their cost of the CDs plus more! So they are re-ordering quick for next weekend.

The best part was when I talked with people while they waited in line and answered what questions I could. I love speaking b/c then people come up to you and feel they know you and share. One man wanted more CDs to reach his young children. A woman (who I had met at a homeschool group years before) wanted titles for teens. Another elderly lady wanted mulitple copies to send to all of her grandchildren. Another woman asked me what my old Protestant denomination was, as her dh (standing right next to her) is Catholic, but she is Presbyterian. I told her "Methodist" but pointed out the Scott Hahn conversion story CD. He is the Presbyterian anti-Catholic pastor who converted and now is a tremendous apologist. :)

The one that touched me most was a 40ish man who said his wife was raised Catholic, but now 'hates' the Church. He went on to describe how she had been to Catholic school during her youth and always in the Church, but now would not even talk about it. You could see the pain in his eyes. I showed him the talk Seven Reasons to Be Catholic that we had on the stand and he took it with him.

As the volunteer and I compared notes at the end we noticed there were many people who wanted to know more about their faith, and specfically how to bring fallen away Catholics back. So, she ordered copies of How to Bring Fallen Away Catholics Back by Scott Hahn and it will be ready and waiting for that gentleman and others next week.

How cool is that?

Ok, here is my little talk.. I loved doing it, after the first time, anyway. By the second and third time, after I found out that Fr. F was happy with it, I embellished a little more. It was fun!

God is so good.. all the way home I thanked him for this opportunity and maybe that is why I spoke at Cm meetings all those years, to get me ready for this. And my conversion.. that is may touch others. This is just too good.

My name is Cindy Kelly and I am a parishioner at ______. I
appreciate the invitation from Father to let you know more about the
wonderful new CD ministry that is beginning today at St. ___.

If I may I would like to share briefly with you why I am talking about these CDs today and how they have affected my family and faith life.

I grew up in the Bible Belt as a Protestant, but married an Irish New Yorker cradle Catholic. Upon my son’s First Holy Communion, I had to face it. What did Catholics really believe? I had much mis-information about Catholicism. It was also difficult for me to find Catholics who could explain their faith to me.


During my search, I found a wonderful resource: a body
of knowledgeable, inspirational and exciting Catholic authors and
speakers. They not only explained the faith, but helped me
grow spiritually, deepen my personal faith and come to a true love of our
Church. I also realized learning about our Catholic faith is a
lifelong endeavor.

My cradle Catholic husband also found his
faith deepened tremendously by these speakers. He has found the more he
understands his faith, the easier it is to share with our children as well
as people at work and through his prison ministry work. (Where btw
they are always looking for men to volunteer as mentors…)

My husband jokes that the largest denomination in the US is Catholic and the second
largest is ex-Catholic, but, unfortunately, many who have left the Church
have done so because of their lack of knowledge of Church teaching and
Church history.

That is why Lighthouse created this CD ministry--
to bring this knowledge to parishes and St. ____ now has them available for
everyone. You can listen in your car, or at home, or on the go. Many are
perfect for teenagers and we have passed several on to our sons.

There are titles covering all aspects of the Catholic life and
they are perfect for sharing with family and friends, children and
grandchildren. The CDs are located in a wooden stand in the space by the main
doors of the Church. They are free, but a $3 donation is requested
to keep the ministry funded. If you are able to give a bit less or more, that is
fine- the goal is to get the CDs out to the parish and keep it funded for
more.

A big thank you to _______ for coordinating this for
St. _____.

My prayer is that these CDs will bless you and St. ____
parish. Please be generous in your donations as they all go directly into
bringing more titles to St. ____. THANK YOU

Some Integrated Life that was Unplanned

I took Bryan with me to meet with the parish volunteer at a local parish who is launching the Lighthouse program this weekend.

He helped carry in the stand (he helped me put it together last week), carried boxes, listened to us talk about the plan for the parish and walk through the church to see where I should sit when I attend the Masses and make short annoucmements this weekend. We had some nice short discussions about this parish, our parish, the CDs, etc.

Dh is working at home full time- has been since July. I found something interesting, that my non-talky husband now comes out of his cave now and then ready to share some tidbit of his day with me. I think the guys at the water cooler used to get this when he was in the office.. but now I do! I think this is much like what happens if our kids are at school all day.. by 4pm they are talked out. But now we all get the best of each other. Well, when we aren't tripping over each other... this togetherness takes time to get used to, too.

Dh had Bryan copy reciepts to send in his expense statements. Stephen then weighed and attached postage. Many discussions ensue about clients, travels, etc.

Just some tidbits from here... lots happening, but little planned...

Today is LOTR and tennis. Our fun but busy day. Crisp cold and beautiful outside!

Joyfully Making Learning Connections

We had our second meeting of Joyful Learning Connections last night. I just love that little group... and it was nice and small so we got some good talking in until almost 11pm....

We talked about all sorts of things... structure or no, how to give up the schooly model, strewing, high school, joy.

I was telling the others about Leonie's idea for pegs. Melissa Wiley wrote a wonderful summary and application of summation of pegs on her blog. Then I just got lost in Melissa's wonderful blog. I just have to be careful when I read it because it is so beautiful, she writes so well that I start wondering how she does it all...but it is good practice for me to ground myself and not compare.. :0 and enjoy being encouraged and inspired by her ideas.

But, otoh it also got me thinking about the rich world we do have on the Internet. I go back and forth, thinking I spend too much time here, or writing or reading about ideas. But then I realize that is part of my vocation and if I can seperate out when I am in information overload, or start to venture to the comparing mode... so much is gained by these on line connections.

Anyway, I got to reading (again) about her Tidal Homeschooling. I found an excerpt that really describes well what I was trying clumsily to say last night at the meeting. Here is how Melissa puts it..

Then it occurred to me that I've overlooked an aspect of
my beachcombing scenario. I'm the one strewing the beach with treasures for the children to discover. You see, this is where the metaphor breaks down. Sometimes, yes, I am simply the person bringing the children to the metaphorical strand and turning them loose to explore. But other times—a lot of the time, when I think about
it—I have visited the beach in advance and filled the tide pools with
interesting creatures; I have hidden the treasures behind the dunes.

This strewing is something unschooling parents talk a great deal about.
It is the same thing Charlotte Mason meant when she said, "Education is a life. That life is sustained on ideas...we must sustain a child's inner life with ideas as we sustain his body with food," urging parents and teachers to provide hearty feasts of 'living' books and firsthand encounters with the natural world.

Of course, Miss Mason recommended regular and orderly mealtimes, while an unschooler would probably say that the human mind thrives best when allowed to graze. But in both cases, we see a committed, thoughtful parent doing the shopping and preparing the food. I am doing just as much preparation (to jump metaphors again) during our low-tide times as I am during high tide.

Whether I am piloting the boat on a fishing trip—as I am doing now with our studies of German and Shakespeare—or whether I am hiding bits of sea glass in the sand for a wandering child to discover (or not), my role is indeed that of "guide, philosopher, and friend."

You can read the whole post here.

Cordio and Juliet

You MUST read this rendition from my friend Rebecca. Too funny!Clickie Here-ie!

News I Have Dreamed Of!

I love it! Naps are good for me! My overstuffed nap-loving dachshund will be so happy to hear this! (Karen, no cracks about "your" dog... lol)

And to boot, the New York Times finally has some news fit to print. :0Clickie Here-ie!

Maria, thanks for the link!

The Way it Oughta Be

Today I cleaned toliets. I shook off the bad mood, and kept my composure.

That was many hours ago.

Tonight I went to a wonderful mom's meeting (Joyful Learning Connections) where we talked about finding joyful ways to homeschool, and connect, and of course, learn.

I am now working at the computer, trying to wind down.

I went to visit one of my toliets and as I reached to turn off the light noticed...

How clean it was.

Wow... I need to notice the good things more. It looked really beautiful.. gleaming white. I did a good job.

I have been reading in In Conversation With God how we should not discount those little boring jobs we have in life. Often, it told me, we will shirk those duties to do more important and interesting things. Has that author been bugging my house?

So I am working on that, and I think I just recieved a little reward.

Join me as I dabble...

Join my on my new blog as I dabble in the colorful world of art....

I hope to scan and post my works in progress... and will try and put up the failures as well as the things I like. This is a learning process... and every stroke is teaching me something new.

I am starting with my favorite subjects, my canines.

Please drop in!

St. Valentines' Sweets for my Sweeties

Here is my plan for V-day... Taste of Home is nice b/c sometimes they give you a break and tell you to buy packaged things, like cake mix! I loved the idea of messages on the cuppycakes!

I am having fun thinking of what to write on them. Have to be short...

Hugs.... Smack... Kiss.. Love...Cutie...lol

Will be fun to see who chooses what word... :-)

Any other ideas?

Conversation Cupcakes


INGREDIENTS


1 package (18-1/4 ounces) white cake mix
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup shortening
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon butter flavoring, optional
4 cups confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1 to 2 drops red food coloring, optional
1 to 2 drops yellow food coloring, optional
1 to 2 drops blue food coloring, optional
PREP 45 min.
COOK 20 min.
TOTAL 65 min.

DIRECTIONS
Prepare cake mix according to package directions.
Place paper or foil liners in a heart-shaped or standard muffin tin. Fill cups half full of batter. Bake according to package directions for cupcakes. Cool for 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
For frosting, cream butter and shortening in a small mixing bowl. Add vanilla and butter flavoring if desired. Add sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in milk until light and fluffy.
Divide frosting into fourths; place in flour separate bowls. Leave one bowl untinted. Add food coloring to the other three bowls; stir until well blended. Frost cupcakes. Pipe untinted frosting around edges and decorate tops with Valentine phrases. Yield: 28 cupcakes

Ok, Ok..something new...:0

Ok, Ok, I know for all my loyal readers you are getting really tired of seeing that chocolate cake on my blog. So I am making a new post. Just so you won't have to look at it.

Let's see,what shall I post?

Well tongiht I did to go to Rosie O'Donell's site. I check The Drudge Report occasionally and get some news there. I must say he gives equal time because he lists Rosie along with Rush Limbaugh.

When I read Rosie I just wanted to hug her. She is a poor lost soul. By the grace of God, if not for that, there could go I- any of us.

Her laments on Anna Nicole were incredible.. she adored her. Rosie is searching. She clings to children, much like Michael Jackson Imo. She needs. NEEDS. And only if she could find the Ulitmate Giver, she would be so happy.

Anyway, it was an interesting trip to see her and I am praying for all lost souls, and hope I am prayed for, too.

OK, what else?

Well...

Today I worked a lot on my painting. There is this really great site called Wiener Dog Art and I love her style! Turns out she lives in Texas and her last name is Kelly and I feel a bond, but I haven't told her.

What I have done is print out some of her art and used it for inspiration. Tonight I got a great rendition of Ralphie in all his craziness, and got half of Boomer in his inertness.

I think I may start a sub- art blog and post some things there.

This was a nice Sunday... John was researching his gardening and recipies, boys were playing with their new Wii and I was painting.

Then we all had a nice dinner together interesting conversation. We had a debate over whether the newspaper subscription was too expensive as I told the boys I tried to talk them down (and got $30 a year off) but still don't feel it is worth the price. Boy, did that get reaction as everyone supported the sections they read. Then when John said the Chronicle is a hopefully soon customer of his, that sealed it. I am writing the check to continue the subscription today!

Then, John asked them where they wanted to go on vaction and we started our usual go-round.. AHH.. life!

(Don't scroll down or you are going to see that chocolate cake again.. maybe I am just tired of it since it was in our house all week!)

Next Up From Taste Of Home...

Another choice of B's... but I forgot to buy coke. Hum... wonder what I can sub?
Planning to bake tonight....

Humm, what is that garnish, mint? I wonder if I should run out and get some coke. I see it takes a lot. Gosh, I am in the mood to bake, maybe I will!

Cinnamon-Chocolate Snackin' Cake
From Taste of Home

INGREDIENTS

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1-1/2 cups miniature marshmallows
3 tablespoons baking cocoa
1 cup cola
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup butter, cubed
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

FROSTING:
3 tablespoons baking cocoa
6 tablespoons cola
1/2 cup butter, cubed
3-3/4 cups confectioners' sugar
1 cup chopped pecans, divided

PREP 30 min.
COOK 35 min.
TOTAL 65 min.

DIRECTIONS
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Stir in marshmallows; set aside. In a small saucepan, bring the cocoa, cola, oil and butter to a boil. Pour over flour mixture; mix well. Stir in the eggs, buttermilk and vanilla.
Pour into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish. Bake at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean (do not overbake). Cool on a wire rack.
For frosting, in a large saucepan, bring the cocoa, cola and butter to a boil. Remove from the heat. Stir in confectioners' sugar and 3/4 cup pecans until blended. Spread over cake; sprinkle with remaining pecans. Cool until frosting is set before cutting. Yield: 15 servings. Editor's Note: Diet cola is not recommended for this recipe.

Made Yesterday... Gone Today!

Found this in this month's issue of Taste of Home Magazine. B marked several recipes for us to try.. . see the yellow sticky notes? :) this is a good one!

Not hard at all... if I can make this, you can, too!
Celebration Braid
From Taste of Home

INGREDIENTS


2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
1 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
1/3 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
4-1/2 to 5 cups all-purpose flour
1 egg yolk
1 tablespoon cold water

SERVINGS 32
PREP 35 min.
COOK 20 min.
TOTAL 55 min.

DIRECTIONS
In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the butter, sugar, salt, eggs and 3 cups flour. Beat on medium speed for 3 minutes. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide into four pieces. Shape each piece into an 18-in. rope. Place ropes parallel to each other on a greased baking sheet. Beginning from the right side, braid dough by placing the first rope over the second rope, under the third and over the fourth. Repeat three or four times, beginning each time from the right side. Pinch ends to seal and tuck under.
Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes. Beat egg yolk and water; brush over braid. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pan to a wire rack to cool. Yield: 1 loaf.

Here is the magazine's picture:

How an ex- 80's business woman came to mop her own floors

I was tagged by Leonie.. thanks Leonie.... :0 So here I go!


Aprons – Y/N?

My mil gave me a beautiful lace sheer, black waist apron to wear at my cocktail parties before my dh and I married. Humm.. where is it? lol


Baking – Favorite thing to bake:
I love to bake! Coffee cake on Christmas morning. Bread in my machine. Pizza crust and other things we will try. I have made my own pie crusts. Yeah, eat my dust! lol lo lol
I love to bake when I have TIME. If I don't.. I won't even try.

Clothesline – Y/N?

Nope. I do hang clothes on hangers all over my laundry room to dry. Or when my dryer went out, used my fence. Thought I have thought of installing one just to get outside daily and commune with the birds.

















Donuts – Have you ever made them?

Nope. One vice I don't have and never care to make. Plus we get Krispy Kreme for my guys when they get a hankerin'...


Every day – One homemaking thing you do every day:
One load of laundry or more.
Straighten up. My guys are really messy. :0
Make bed.
Cook.
Clean up the kitchen. The kitchen is my ZONE>>>>

Freezer – Do you have a separate deep freeze?
I have three freezer zones:
Over the fridge in the kitchen
Chest deep freeze in laundry room
Left side of side by side in the garage

Garbage Disposal – Y/N?
Of course! Their names are Stephen, Bryan, Boomer and Ralphie!

















Handbook – What is your favorite homemaking resource?
I was taught how to clean house by some guy who wrote books.. and I forgot his name. But I laughed as I never listend to my mom (who is a PERFECT housekeeper) but ended up getting tapes and books from a guy in SF CA, who gave me all the clues I needed. Still use his methods. :)


Ironing – Love it or hate it?
I don't buy anything that needs ironing. My dh's shirts go to the laundry.


Junk drawer – Y/N? Where is it?

Kitchen drawer. And I am so devoted to it I even had a handle installed on it that says:
JUNK


Kitchen: Design & Decorating?

I love my kitchen. We moved in this 1973 house and it was an little avacado box. You could not see the kitchen table from the kitchen.. it was a seperate box. So when we moved in we allocated funds to remodel and now our little dark avacado box is a bright happy yellow kitchen. I can see the outside from it and all the sunshine plus the kitchen table and we have a big island (I designed and the guy built) and we cook all the time. The kitchen is the center of our house.

But even when we were in houses with smaller kitchens, they were still the heart of our homes....

Love: What is your favorite part of homemaking?
When I look around and even though it is not perfect I see my mark and feel content.

Mop - Y/N?
Yup. But we put down Amtico.. looks like wood, is not.. so I can go a LOONNNGG time between.. like 2 weeks or more! (my children are all over 12)

Nylons - Wash by hand or in the washing machine?
Washing machine.. if it does not survive the spin cycle, I throw it out. lol
But I only wear about 2 times a year so not much of an issue.

Oven - Do you use the window, or open the door to check?
Light has been burned out for 6 years, so open the door. lol

Pizza - What do you put on yours?
Cheese.

Quiet - What do you do during the day when you get a quiet moment?
Nap, read, internet, paint, or.... , nap, nap, nap.... teens love it when you nap because you are not bothering them to do things you want them to do. Win-win!

Recipe card box - Y/N?
No.. binder. Everything is in a binder.. lol

Style of house -
2 story. Traditional.. meaning we have real rooms.. lol

Tablecloths and napkins - Y/N?
Placemats and paper towels for napkins unless comapny, then cloth..


















Under the kitchen sink - Organized or toxic wasteland?
Semi - organized.

Vacuum - How many times per week?
Umm.... well, once.. maybe a week.. or maybe umm.. twice a month? However often I can talk the boys into it... lol
Could this be why I have allergies??

X’s - Do you keep a daily list of things to do and cross them off?
Yup.

Yard - Who does what?
Well it is dh's job. (Maria, that is one thing I loved about renting in CA.. the gardener) In the HEAT of the summer I talk dh into letting Isrido do it.. he is the yard guy that has done many neighbors' yards for almost 20 years. The weeds start to get to me as dh si so busy so I will do. Boys and I do potty patrol. I always wish the yard looked better. But we live in a neighborhood where this is an art.. so i need to let go..



















Zzz’s - What is your last homemaking task for the day before going to bed?
Start the dishwasher. And lock the doors. And let the dogs out. And fluff my pillow..

Oh. that sounds good. 'Night!

HOW Cool!

Today Mr. UPS man brought the order for my parish to my house.. for the Lighthouse Catholic Media stand and Cds... ! My living room is full of boxes and I opened a couple.. one is the donation box.. beautiful cherry wood with a plexiglass sign that says.. Suggested donation $3....

And I plan to have to have the boys put it together for me tomorrow before we deliver to the church. And the placuard, with the holy family.. so cool to have in our house!

Our kick off is Feb 24.. and two other parishes I have been involved with kick off Feb 17.. please pray for them all.

This is so neat.

Iowa

I was watching the beginning of the Super Bowl and saw a player was from Iowa.

I got to thinking about Iowa. I have never been there. I have always been curious about it.

I assume it has lots of beautiful farmland. I found the total population is just under 3 million. Gosh, that sounds good after living with many more than that just in Houston.

And, they are the US's top producer of eggs, pork and corn. Wow.. we need Iowa.

Here are some beautiful pictures I found of Iowa.

I like Iowa.

"This is the best apple pie I have ever had in my life."

What our 16yos said after he ate a piece of my dh's first attempt to make apple pie.

I had to agree.. it was good!

You Gotta Love Teens

A friend told me that her 15 year old son recently said this, in referring to his unknown future plans. You just have to love the honesty and wit.

"I could either be an Archbishop in Thailand or married in Pittsburgh."

More Thankfulness and my Current Booklist

Well, part of my conversation with my old (really OLD lol) friend today was on life.

Of course.
Duh.

But it got to how my dh has given me to opportunity to be at home with the kids, then homeschool.

In that, I have lots of time to read, learn, discover. Actually it is really a job requirement to keep the atmosphere rich around here, and I have to always be learning new things and finding resources to pass on. And as many of us have said, often this 'second' education is richer than our first.

I thank my husband for giving me the time and resource to do this.

so.. here is my current stack of books I am reading simultaneoulsy.

Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beacher Stowe
The Two Towers by JRR Tolkein
Fed Up! : The Breakthrough Ten-Step, No-Diet Fitness Plan by Wendy Oliver-Pyatt
Margin: Restoring Emotional, Physical, Financial, and Time Reserves to Overloaded Lives by Richard A. Swenson
Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
Catholicism for Dummies by John Trigilio and Kenneth Brighenti
The Apostolate of Holy Motherhood by Mark I. Miravalle
Chemistry for Dummies by John T. Moore

and other misc things....

A Nice Day: Flowers In My Garden

I got up early today to have a call with my Clonlara advisor. We usually talk very early Friday mornings. I always feel so good after our calls. We talked about learning styles, math, learning, life, etc.

Then as I was getting the kitchen together my old friend.. I call her my really OLD friend, as she is 5 months older than me. lol! I have known her since we were nine. She called and had a client meeting about 2 blocks from my house (she lives 45 min away and we don't see each other enough), so we made plans for lunch.

Then we proceeded to talk for an hour on the phone. Well, we had things to say!

Then, an old homeschool friend who moved away about 2 years ago called and we talked for an hour! Fun to catch up.

Then, I went to lunch and talked to my friend for another hour. lol One of the things we talked about is how wives need to talk more than husbands. We laughed and laughed and she is one friend who knows me inside and out. I told her some of the ocmments the Clonlara advisor would give me, like "Cindy, don't borrow trouble!" and she would laugh and laugh. She has seen me borrow a lot over the years. I borrowed clothes from her in college and lots of advice over the years.

Everyone needs friends like this. Who know you better than you know yourself.
What a gift.

But, what a nice morning. To have three (well four) beautiful conversations in one day. I felt so happy, having such lovely people in my life. And thought about how I have even more... some e-friends and long distance, and some local who are like flowers in my garden!

I came home from the resturant and picked up the boys, who were fed, dressed and ready to go. (Those of you with toddlers.. this WILL happen one day!)

We went to our Lord of the Rings discussion at the local bookstore. Another mom and dd had come up with the topic of the art of LOTR and Tolkein. She had discovered that he was an artist! I had no idea. I really liked the discussion, though the boys didn't as much.

Then off to pick up the boys' friend from school and to tennis. Then during tennis I came home to get a check to pay the instructor and had another quick conversation with a friend with whom I am planning some new support meetings here locally. Nice.

Then to pick up boys at tennis and home for a nice nap on the couch with the dogs.

Well, I *was* going to clean the house today, but I think this was time well spent.